4 Popular Low-code or No-code Platforms to Build Applications with Ease
Building applications from scratch has become easier than ever before due to the onset of no-code or low-code platforms. Today, even non-developers can create complex applications without having to spend large amounts of money. In addition, you do not have to wait for months or days before you can use these applications.
It would be an understatement to say that we cannot live without applications. Did you know that there are 1.96 million applications on the Apple App Store and around 2.87 million applications on the Google Play Store [1]?
Even individuals from a non-technical background can now build some amazing applications. The new generation of no-code or low-code platforms are designed in such a way that you do not need to write lines of code to create the best applications. These apps allow you to take your business to the next level with articulate innovation.
Apart from building applications, no code platforms provide seamless workflow automation and also improve business processes.
But what are low-code platforms? Without further adieu, let’s dive straight in to understand how they can help your business. We will also take a look at some of the best low-code platforms for your business.
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What is a low-code or a no-code platform?
Low-code development platforms
A low-code development platform is an application development platform that enables you to build mobile applications and businesses with just basic coding experience.
Instead of writing code, they use drag and drop editors and a graphical UI to create the most appealing applications.
No-code development platforms
No-code development platforms take it up a notch by allowing you to develop applications without writing a single code. This means that any person without any coding experience can develop applications without any hiccups.
No-code platforms are very closely related to low-code platforms as they aim to fast-track application development. Instead of conventional programming language programming languages, no-code platforms make use of graphical user interfaces.
Today, no-code and low-code platforms are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and alternative to typical development processes. This is another reason why startup founders are relying on no-code or low-code platforms to fulfill their requirements as far as application development is concerned. In addition, these platforms also automate different processes and accelerate digital transformation.
The demand for low-code platforms is growing exponentially each year. If you do not believe us, check this out. According to a report published by Forrester, the global low-code platform market is likely to surpass the $21 billion figure within the next five years [2].
What are the benefits of low-code platforms?
- Productivity: As more and more companies around the world are looking to enhance their productivity levels, the adoption of low-code platforms is on the rise. These platforms allow you to create applications in very little time as compared to traditional platforms that require hours of coding.
- Cost-effective: Startups and smaller companies can save substantial amounts of money by not hiring developers and purchasing different tools for development.
- Agility: Low-code platforms pave the way for the development of a myriad of applications that can work across different devices and platforms.
- Governance: Similar to technology, regulations have the tendency to evolve rapidly. Companies have a tough time staying on top of these regulatory changes. This is where low-code platforms enable companies to remain competitive risk-proof.
Popular low-code platforms
1. Zoho Creator
When we are talking about low-code platforms, it is hard to miss Zoho Creator. It is easily one of the best low-code platforms that allow you to create a range of applications that can be easily integrated into a third-party platform.
Regardless of your overall coding experience, Zoho Creator simplifies application development and makes the entire process more secure.
If you are looking for a low-code platform that allows you to develop applications in no time, Zoho Creator is an attractive option.
2. Airtable
Develop the most advanced applications by bringing your ideas to life with Airtable. Airtable will help you kickstart your development process due to its excellent database and familiarity with spreadsheets.
Today, Airable is used by more than 200,000 companies. These companies have successfully streamlined and modernized their business workflows by using Airtable to develop applications.
The platform provides a bunch of useful templates for smooth product planning, bug tracking, product launch, and other applications.
3. Microsoft Power Apps
Developing low-code applications and sharing them is a breeze if you use Microsoft Power Apps. Just like Airtable and Zoho Creator, Microsoft Power Apps help you create applications at very low cost and high speed.
In addition, they also provide drag-and-drop features along with pre-built templates to enable swift application development. You can deploy your applications immediately after developing them and make improvements based on the feedback you receive.
It comes with a bunch of pre-built artificial intelligence components along with cutting-edge functionalities and features. You can connect Microsoft Power Apps to different data sources with Microsoft’s Dataverse and robust connectors. They allow you to tie your data together while helping you determine patterns.
4. Retool
If you want to build internal tools and applications at a lightning speed, you should consider Retool. It saves you tons of time while navigating through different user interface libraries, binding multiple data sources, and looking for access controls.
It offers you all the tools and building blocks you need to create intuitive low-code applications. These include charts, lists, maps, forms, tables, and other tools to create internal tools. The tool supports JavaScript and is extremely customizable and supports JavaScript.
Wrapping it up
There is no doubt that low-code platforms are becoming increasingly popular each year. Startups and small businesses are among the top customers of these low-code platforms due to their low costs, agility, and ease of use.
Before you choose a low-code platform for your business, get in touch with a consultant or discuss your requirements with your company’s IT department. We predict that low-code platforms will continue to rise in popularity in the upcoming years.
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Feature Source: rawpixel.com
Image 1 Source: Airtable
Image 2 Source: rawpixel.com
Sources:
[1] Pathak. A (2021) “10 Best Low-code or No-code Platforms to Build Amazing Products” Geekflare [online] Available from: https://geekflare.com/nocode-platforms-to-build-product/#anchor-retool
[2] Rymer. J (2018) “Why You Need To Know About Low-Code, Even If You’re Not Responsible For Software Delivery” Forrester [online] Available from: https://www.forrester.com/blogs/why-you-need-to-know-about-low-code-even-if-youre-not-responsible-for-software-delivery/
